While trying to free motion quilt on my juki TL-98Q, it becomes very hard to move the quilt whenever I come to a seam. I have already turned the pressure foot dial to the lightest setting. I simply

The machine runs fine otherwise. I am using the freemotion foot and have dropped the feed dogs. Cleaned, oiled, new needle. Do not have this problem when using walking foot. Obviously, feed dogs help it along, but I need to be able to quilt without feed dogs doing the work.

I have never used a machine to free motion quilt. That said, I have had issues sewing over thick seams. Since your machine runs smoothly otherwise... I think it is the thickness of the seamed area that is causing your problem. It may be too late but you could try trimming your seams so the layers fabric graduate to full thickness. Or you could use a chop stick or popcicle stick to press down on the thickness as you guide the machine over the seam. I also suggest that you Fan your seam allowances where your blocks come together. You can see how that is done here. http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/videos/v/62207505/machine-minute-bulky-intersections-fanning-seam-allowances.htm

3 Suggested Answers

Hi,
A 6ya expert can help you resolve that issue over the phone in a minute or two.
Best thing about this new service is that you are never placed on hold and get to talk to real repairmen in the US.
The service is completely free and covers almost anything you can think of (from cars to computers, handyman, and even drones).click here to download the app (for users in the US for now) and get all the help you need. Good luck!

I posted question about top thread breaking when quilting (using walking foot). Finally solved my problem, my solution may help others. Decrease the presser foot tension to nearly 0. Had tried different threads, tension settings, needles. Nothing worked until I adjusted the presser foot tension. Quilting went like a dream, even through seams ect, also worked for attaching binding.

Tell us some more! Your answer needs to include more details to help people.You can't post answers that contain an email address.Please enter a valid email address.The email address entered is already associated to an account.Login to postPlease use English characters only.

I haven't sewn on this model in about 10 years, so I am rusty. I don't recall a slide or switch to set the range of stitch speeds, so one of the things you need to do is learn to feather the pedal instead of just stomping it. You can often figure out how to block the pedal travel with a couple thicknesses of cardboard cut to shape, or a piece of pencil eraser to mechanically block the highest pedal pressure, but usually it's just better to learn to control the pedal. Finally, the best free motion quilting is often done with high speed stitching but moderately slow fabric movement.

Be sure you have installed a brand new needle. If it still does not pick up the bobbin thread, the machine may be out of time.

If the presser foot does not set firmly on the fabric, then that is what you want for free motion quilting. However, if you mean the presser foot is sloppy (wobbly), then the attachment may be loose or the presser foot is worn.

Check the height of the quilt under the machine-adjust the bars until the quilt is just barely over the bed of the machine, and level front to back and side to side. Also, level up the frame, using a long carpenter's level. You'd be surprised how much this can help with all sorts of thread problems.

Firsrt, try going slower, especially on curves. The Juki is so danged fast, it's easy to run faster than the thread can handle. As far as tension, the best approach is to experiment with a scrap quilt "sandwich" until you find the best tension settings. Also, could your problem be with the thread you're using? Different threads call for tension adjustments. Try using a bigger needle-smaller needles can "cut" the thread, as can defective needles, especialy on curves with free motion. Tension issues are, without a doubt, the biggest problem I've had, but patience and experimentation will usually solve whatever is going on.

It is a timing issue. I have a TL98E. The needle bends a bit when free motion quilting, moving the needle away from the hook, thus missing the thread. Try to put in a larger needle, or have the timing changed so that the hook "kisses" the size needle that you want to use. Tammy

My friend and I both have the Juki 98Q but on different frames - we were both having problems (needles breaking, thread getting tangled) we removed the thin metal thing inside the bobbin case and have had no problems since (over a year now!).